The Law of the Land by Fred M. White

Ralph stood listening but utterly unable to speak and indeed hardly comprehending what was going on. During the past few hours he had vaguely expected something to turn up in his favour, but had not anticipated anything so startling and dramatic as this. He glanced hesitatingly at Charteris, who undoubtedly was master of the situation. A sudden change had come over Dick. He had lost all his listless manner; the affectation of simplicity had departed. His face was hard and set his eyes alert and gleaming.

Barca was the first to remember himself. He moved in the direction of the door and asked to be allowed to pass. The matter had nothing to do with him he said.